Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards honor 15 women for leadership and regional impact

Fifteen women from seven Caribbean territories were recognized for their contributions to leadership, entrepreneurship and community development during the 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards, held as part of the 10th Annual Caribbean POSH Weekend in the British Virgin Islands.

According to organizers, the event was held under the theme “The Future of the Caribbean: Connection, Collaboration & Growth,” and brought together entrepreneurs, government officials, tourism leaders, creatives and other professionals from across the Caribbean and the diaspora for several days of networking, leadership discussions, cultural activities and celebrations.

This year’s award recipients represented Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands, recognizing achievements across a wide range of sectors.

Trinidad and Tobago received the highest number of awards, capturing seven of the 15 categories. Winners from Jamaica, St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis and The Bahamas were also recognized in areas including entrepreneurship, education, health advocacy, youth leadership, fashion, digital influence, wellness, film, sports, culture, culinary arts, performing arts and community development.

Now marking its tenth anniversary, the Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards continues to recognize women whose work has made a positive impact across the region while encouraging future generations of leaders, stated a press release from the organizers.

“This year’s awards were a powerful reminder of the extraordinary women who continue to shape the future of the Caribbean,” said Janette Brin, Founder & CEO of Caribbean POSH.

“For ten years, Caribbean POSH has been committed to celebrating women whose leadership often goes unrecognized. Every winner represents courage, resilience, innovation, and service, and together they remind us that Caribbean excellence knows no borders.”

The event also honored six regional leaders for their contributions to the Caribbean. They included Anguilla Premier Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge; Dr. Legena Henry, Founder and CEO of Rum & Sargassum; Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization; Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; Hilma Roebuck, Owner and Operating Manager of 101.3 ROEFM WEVI; and Lynette Harrigan, MBE, Niche Marketing and Tourism Liaison Manager at the BVI Tourist Board.

Premier Richardson-Hodge delivered the keynote address, focusing on the importance of visionary leadership, regional cooperation and creating opportunities for future generations of Caribbean women.

In addition to the awards ceremony, Caribbean POSH Weekend featured several activities, including the POSHgirl POWER Brunch, the PINK Sunday Sunset Sail, networking sessions, leadership discussions and cultural experiences aimed at strengthening regional partnerships among women.

Organizers noted that Caribbean POSH has grown from a magazine into a regional platform dedicated to highlighting the achievements of Caribbean women through storytelling, leadership development, recognition and networking.

“As we celebrate ten years of Caribbean POSH, we are incredibly proud of the community we have built,” Brin added.

“Our mission has always been bigger than an awards programme. It’s about creating a movement that celebrates Caribbean women, amplifies their stories, builds meaningful regional relationships, and ensures their contributions are recognized both throughout the Caribbean and around the world.”

Looking ahead, the organization said it remains committed to expanding opportunities for Caribbean women to collaborate while continuing to recognize individuals whose work contributes to a stronger and more connected Caribbean.